I am all finished with my pediatric rotation and all finished with my last winter semester ever! Overall peds went very well. I had a lot of uncertainties going into this rotation. I wasn't sure I was going to like it at first because of the drastic change from trauma to that but the kiddos grew on me a little more each week. Doing the rotation in my home town was also something I was unsure of. It was odd running into people that I went to high school with and played on sports teams with. I would like to know what some of them were thinking when I walked into the room to examine their child. Then again, judging by the looks on some of thier faces maybe it's best if I don't know. I was unsure of how working with my uncle was going to go too. Working with my uncle turned out to be a good decision. I learned a lot from him but we also had fun. It was nice to not be intimidated for once. He is a fantastic pediatrician and I can see why everyone wants him to treat their children.
There is one thing that keeps sticking in my mind about this rotation. While here I have seen that there is a real need for more medical practioners. As students we have all had the "underserved" lecture and most of us listen but then don't really think about it again. Nurses and patients kept asking me if I was going to be coming back to the area to practice. They all really wanted me to come back because I am familiar with the people and they need more practioners. I do not plan to come back to the area to practice, at least not right away. I really feel like scum for that. There is a true need and I am knowingly walking away. I do not see myself being content doing family practice in a small town though. Perhaps someday when I have a family and am looking for something more layed back I'll consider it.
So to sum up the last six weeks I'd say that I have learned a great deal of pediatric medicine, I have learned that I absolutely adore newborns, and I have gained a new found respect for the people of this area and for rural medicine in general.
In case you are wondering why there is a scenic lake picture on here that's Raystown Lake, the lake in my hometown.
